Curled or folded leaves

[Ross]

I have a Milt. Bert Fields 'Eileen' Pansy Orchid and just noticed all the leaves are curled, or rather folded along the mid rib of each leaf. Is this normal? Or is the plant sulking?

The plant has done well for me, but this year the 8-10 spikes (which are loaded with blossoms) have only partially open blossoms. Normally they open like pansies, but not this year. It sits in front of south-facing window and is kept cool at night (60ish) and warm during day (70ish) and roots look ok. I'm stumped. Is it just the doldrums I go through this time of year when we get 12" of new wet snow? Any ideas?

[Ross]

Since I just knew you'd ask for pics, here they are





Don't pay any attention to leaf damage - most of it is on older leaves damaged in last year's hail storm. And the humidity runs from 35-45 during day, so it could be related to dryness?

[smartie2000]

I'm not expert, but folded leaves on milts tend to due with moisture problems. Either watering or humidty

[sjMagoo]

I think it is humidity. I have two growing locations, one with an avg. of 40 degrees humidity and the other averages 60 - my Milt. did the same trick with the flowers not opening fully when grown in the lower humidity. It would follow, I think, that the leaves will act the same.

I think you are giving it very consistent and adequate water to have developed as many blooms, and I don't see any wrinkled leaves which would point to low watering.

Bummer to have gotten it this far and have the blooms half open... I'll bet it still smells terrific!

[Ross]

Yep, it still smells fine (as always) and a few blossoms open completely, but reminds me of Cischwenfia when it develops the blossom buds plentifully, but not fully out. If that makes sense. Maybe it's because the winter has been so cold and things are so far advanced compared to most years?

[Tindomul]

This is interesting I think how low humidity can affect certain plants and not others. Whats your relative humidity like?

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Tindomul1of9

This is interesting I think how low humidity can affect certain plants and not others. Whats your relative humidity like?

Like I said - about 35-45% Low, to be sure, but never a problem in past years.

[Tindomul]

Hmmm, maybe its cause thats you constant humidity and then it dips down lower? But then you say its always been that way. : Have you changed anything, potting media, etc......

[Ross]

Nope, only a crappy winter

[smartie2000]

Is lighting an issue? Cloudy days?